Letters

The recent League of Women Voters debate between two Assembly candidates [“Assembly Candidates Schiavoni, Kiely Featured in League Debate,” 27east.com, October 9] revealed the difference between a knowledgeable public servant, Tommy John Schiavoni, and an inexperienced Stephen Kiely. Among other issues, the debate addressed traffic, affordable housing and water quality.

On the traffic issue, whereas Mr. Kiely spoke in generalities, decrying the Metropolitan Transit Authority — “The MTA is mismanaged, and we have to look at where the waste is” — Mr. Schiavoni demonstrated his capacity to deal with the world as it exists and still make progress in his pursuit of improved rail service.

Participating in events like the “Rally for the Rails” to push for increased train service and infrastructure improvements and securing funds for the South Fork Commuter Connection rail link, and serving as chair of the Commuter Coalition, Mr. Schiavoni worked with the MTA to upgrade services on the South Fork Commuter Connection and was able to get a line item in the MTA’s plan to upgrade service on that rail service. No mean feat.

When asked about workforce housing, Mr. Kiely said, “I don’t think we have a housing crisis, we have an affordability crisis.” In 2022, the Southampton Town voters approved the Peconic Bay Community Housing Fund referendum by a vote of 13,027-11,353. It’s clear that Mr. Kiely is not aware of the multifaceted approach that is the Community Housing Plan. He opposes building affordable units, because, in his words, “high-density complexes where you have septic systems that will put nitrates into groundwater.” So, Mr. Kiely is unaware that the town mandates the use of innovative and alternative on-site wastewater treatment systems for all new residential construction.

Further, the state requires that the housing plan contain “smart growth principles.” Too, Mr. Kiely seems not to be aware of the various affordable housing options, which include affordability — first-time home buyers assistance program, shared equity program, employer-assisted down payment program, among other options, that will increase housing availability. Mr. Schiavoni is well aware of these approaches and has been an advocate.

Lastly, on the issue of water quality, Mr. Kiely stated, “Sewage treatment facilities are not necessarily the answer on the East End.” That was in response to his thoughts on the recent creation of the Riverside Sewer District, a $45 million project funded by multiple sources. Mr. Schiavoni was able to point out that the sewer district would hook up to three mobile home sites, which have no other alternative to prevent their effluent from migrating to Peconic Bay.

I urge Mr. Kiely to speak to Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore about the benefits of a revitalization plan that includes a water quality component rooted in a sewer district.

Mike Anthony

Westhampton

Anthony is a former chair of the Southampton Town Democratic Committee — Ed.